The winning candidate will serve a four-year term in office.

The Lehigh Valley Press asked the candidates the following question: Following passage of the Comprehensive School Safety Law, what else do you believe needs to be done to keep our children safe in school?

Pat Browne, Republican

I am proud to have authored this legislation which provides security expertise and funding to schools so that they may invest in equipment or personnel to protect our children.

Part of the historic $60 million investment are requirements that school districts comprehensively evaluate their safety needs and apply for funding to address any deficiencies that may exist.

The School Safety Task Force, established in this legislation, provides an ongoing forum to craft ideas for additional equipment and student-specific intervention initiatives. Implementing the new school construction formula – which I led in developing – will also, for the first time, prioritize reimbursements for security measures included in school construction/renovation projects.

Mark Pinsley, Democrat

No response was receuved from this candidate.

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The 16th Senatorial District includes: The City of Allentown and the Townships of Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lower Milford, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Washington and Weisenberg; and the Boroughs of Alburtis, Coopersburg, Macungie and Slatington.